A few years ago I was out doing a recce for leg 5 on the Leeds Country Way. I was chatting with my partner and didn’t notice a little rock. I suddenly tumbled over it and felt immense pain . We were at the middle point of the run so I had to get to the end where the car was . It was so painful to walk on and I knew I had done something bad. Lo and behold I had fractured the side of my foot. I was booted up for 6 weeks feeling very low.

Fast forward a few years and I agreed to run leg 5 again. I felt good, fit and I was enjoying the pace . My partner, Marc from Fellandale, was a good match and we were strong together.

Two miles to go and we were determined not to let the pair behind us overtake, however I tumbled over a rock … again. I knew I had done something serious but I stupidly carried on. Endorphins are a natural painkiller so I just thought I would get to the end and deal with it later. Marc was a great support and kept saying it would be fine if we walked. But I just wanted to get to the end.

The following day I went to Otley hospital for a X ray. And I had exactly the same fracture but on the other foot. Another boot, another few miserable weeks of missing my favourite pastime. I do keep telling myself that all will be well and there are some people far worse off than me… I will mend, I will be patient, I will run again and I will be where I was.

I WILL NOT DO LEG 5 AGAIN
I WILL NOT DO LEG 5 AGAIN
I WILL NOT DO LEG 5 AGAIN

Ann